Energy collection

ABSTRACT

An energy collection system may collect and use the energy generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended from a support wire system supported by poles. The support wire system is electrically connected to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made of any conducting material, but carbon and graphite are preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of energy.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/255,130 filed on Oct. 21, 2008, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/358,264,filed on Feb. 21, 2006, which are both incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to energy and, moreparticularly, is related to systems and methods for collecting energy.

BACKGROUND

The concept of fair weather electricity deals with the electric fieldand the electric current in the atmosphere propagated by theconductivity of the air. Clear, calm air carries an electrical current,which is the return path for thousands of lightening stormssimultaneously occurring at any given moment around the earth. Forsimplicity, this energy may be referred to as static electricity orstatic energy. FIG. 1 illustrates a weather circuit for returning thecurrent from lightning, for example, back to ground 10. Weather currents20, 30 return the cloud to ground current 40.

In a lightening storm, an electrical charge is built up, and electronsarc across a gas, ionizing it and producing the lightening flash. As oneof ordinary skill in the art understands, the complete circuit requiresa return path for the lightening flash. The atmosphere is the returnpath for the circuit. The electric field due to the atmospheric returnpath is relatively weak at any given point because the energy ofthousands of electrical storms across the planet are diffused over theatmosphere of the entire Earth during both fair and stormy weather.Other contributing factors to electric current being present in theatmosphere may include cosmic rays penetrating and interacting with theearth's atmosphere, and also the migration of ions, as well as othereffects yet to be fully studied.

Some of the ionization in the lower atmosphere is caused by airborneradioactive substances, primarily radon. In most places of the world,ions are formed at a rate of 5-10 pairs per cubic centimeter per secondat sea level. With increasing altitude, cosmic radiation causes the ionproduction rate to increase. In areas with high radon exhalation fromthe soil (or building materials), the rate may be much higher.

Alpha-active materials are primarily responsible for the atmosphericionization. Each alpha particle (for instance, from a decaying radonatom) will, over its range of some centimeters, create approximately150,000-200,000 ion pairs.

While there is a large amount of usable energy available in theatmosphere, a method or apparatus for efficiently collecting that energyhas not been forthcoming. Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed needexists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies andinadequacies.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods forcollecting energy. Briefly described in architecture, one embodiment ofthe system, among others, can be implemented by a support structure wireelevated above a ground level, at least one collection fiberelectrically connected to the support structure wire; a loadelectrically connected to the support structure wire; and a diodeelectrically connected between the load and at least one collectionfiber.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be viewed as providingmethods for collecting energy. In this regard, one embodiment of such amethod, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps:suspending at least one collection fiber from a support structure wireelevated above ground level, the fiber electrically connected to thesupport structure wire; providing a load with an electrical connectionto the support structure wire to draw current; and providing a diodeelectrically connected between the collection fiber and the load.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a weather energy circuit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of many energycollectors elevated above ground by a structure.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an energy collection fiber suspended from asupport wire.

FIG. 2B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an energycollection fiber suspended from a support wire and with an additionalsupport member.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a support structure for multiple energycollection fibers.

FIG. 2D is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support structurefor multiple energy collection fibers.

FIG. 2E is a side view of a support structure for an energy collectionfiber.

FIG. 2F is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support structurefor an energy collection fiber.

FIG. 2G is a side view of a support structure for multiple energycollection fibers.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit forthe collection of energy.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit forthe collection of energy.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an energycollection circuit for powering a generator and motor.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit forcollecting energy and using it for the production of hydrogen andoxygen.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit forcollecting energy, and using it for driving a fuel cell.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a circuit forcollecting energy.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of collecting energywith a collection fiber.

FIG. 10 is a system diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a windmillwith energy collectors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electric charges on conductors reside entirely on the external surfaceof the conductors, and tend to concentrate more around sharp points andedges than on flat surfaces. Therefore, an electric field received by asharp conductive point may be much stronger than a field received by thesame charge residing on a large smooth conductive shell. An exemplaryembodiment of this disclosure takes advantage of this property, amongothers, to collect and use the energy generated by an electric field inthe atmosphere. Referring to collection system 100 presented in FIG. 2,at least one collection device 130 may be suspended from a support wiresystem 120 supported by poles 110. Collection device 130 may comprise adiode or a collection fiber individually, or the combination of a diodeand a collection fiber. Support wire system 120 may be electricallyconnected to load 150 by connecting wire 140. Supporting wire system 120may be any shape or pattern. Also, conducting wire 140 may be one wireor multiple wires. The collection device 130 in the form of a fiber maycomprise any conducting or non-conducting material, including carbon,graphite, Teflon, and metal. An exemplary embodiment utilizes carbon orgraphite fibers for static electricity collection. Support wire system120 and connecting wire 140 can be made of any conducting material,including aluminum or steel, but most notably, copper. Teflon may beadded to said conductor as well, such as non-limiting examples of aTeflon impregnated wire, a wire with a Teflon coating, or Teflon stripshanging from a wire. Conducting wire 120, 140, and 200 may be bare wire,or coated with insulation as a non-limiting example. Wires 120 and 140are a means of transporting the energy collected by collection device130.

An exemplary embodiment of the collection fibers as collection device130 includes graphite or carbon fibers. Graphite and carbon fibers, at amicroscopic level, can have hundreds of thousands of points. Atmosphericelectricity may be attracted to these points. If atmospheric electricitycan follow two paths where one is a flat surface and the other is apointy, conductive surface, the electrical charge will be attracted tothe pointy, conductive surface. Generally, the more points that arepresent, the higher energy that can be gathered. Therefore, carbon, orgraphite fibers are examples that demonstrate exemplary collectionability.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, the height of support wire 120 maybe an important factor. The higher that collection device 130 is fromground, the larger the voltage potential between collection device 130and electrical ground. The electric field may be more than 100 volts permeter under some conditions. When support wire 120 is suspended in theair at a particular altitude, wire 120 will itself collect a very smallcharge from ambient voltage. When collection device 130 is connected tosupport wire 120, collection device 130 becomes energized and transfersthe energy to support wire 120.

A diode, not shown in FIG. 2, may be connected in several positions incollection system 100. A diode is a component that restricts thedirection of movement of charge carriers. It allows an electric currentto flow in one direction, but essentially blocks it in the oppositedirection. A diode can be thought of as the electrical version of acheck valve. The diode may be used to prevent the collected energy fromdischarging into the atmosphere through the collection fiber embodimentof collection device 130. An exemplary embodiment of the collectiondevice comprises the diode with no collection fiber. A preferredembodiment, however, includes a diode at the connection point of acollection fiber to support system 120 such that the diode is elevatedabove ground. Multiple diodes may be used between collection device 130and load 150. Additionally, in an embodiment with multiple fibers, thediodes restricts energy that may be collected through one fiber fromescaping through another fiber.

Collection device 130 may be connected and arranged in relation tosupport wire system 120 by many means. Some non-limiting examples areprovided in FIGS. 2A-2G using a collection fiber embodiment. FIG. 2Apresents support wire 200 with connecting member 210 for collectiondevice 130. Connection member 210 may be any conducting materialallowing for the flow of electricity from connection device 130 tosupport wire 200. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the support wire 200 ofsupport system 120 may be electrically connected through conducting wire140 to load 150. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position onthe support structure wire. A preferred embodiment places a diode at anelevated position at the connection point between a collection fiberembodiment of collection device 130 and connection member 210.

Likewise, FIG. 2B shows collection fiber 130 electrically connected tosupport wire 200 and also connected to support member 230. Supportmember 230 may be connected to collection fiber 130 on either side.Support member 230 holds the fiber steady on both ends instead ofletting it move freely. Support member 230 may be conducting ornon-conducting. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position onthe support structure wire. A preferred embodiment places a diode atelevated position at the connection point between collection fiber 130and support wire 200 or between fiber 130, support member 230, andsupport wire 200.

FIG. 2C presents multiple collection fibers in a squirrel cagearrangement with top and bottom support members. Support structure 250may be connected to support structure wire 200 by support member 240.Structure 250 has a top 260 and a bottom 270 and each of the multiplecollection fibers 130 are connected on one end to top 260 and on theother end to bottom 270. A plurality of diodes may be placed at anyposition on support structure 250. A preferred embodiment places a diodeat an elevated position at the connection point between collection fiber130 and support structure wire 200.

FIG. 2D presents another exemplary embodiment of a support structurewith support members 275 in an x-shape connected to support structurewire 200 at intersection 278 with collection fibers 130 connectedbetween ends of support members 275. A plurality of diodes may be placedat any position on the support structure. A preferred embodiment placesa diode at an elevated position at the connection point betweencollection fiber 130 and support wire 200.

FIG. 2E provides another exemplary embodiment for supporting collectionfiber 130. Collection fiber 130 may be connected on one side to supportmember 285, which may be connected to support structure wire 200 in afirst location and on the other side to support member 280, which may beconnected to support structure wire 200 in a second location on supportstructure wire 200. The first and second locations may be the samelocation, or they may be different locations, even on different supportwires. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on thesupport structure. A preferred embodiment places one or more diodes atelevated positions at the connection point(s) between collection fiber130 and support wire 200.

FIG. 2F presents another exemplary embodiment of a support for acollection fiber. Two support members 290 may support either side of acollection fiber and are connected to support wire 200 in a singlepoint. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position on thesupport structure. A preferred embodiment places a diode at an elevatedposition at the connection point between collection fiber 130 andsupport wire 200.

FIG. 2G provides two supports as provided in FIG. 2F such that at leasttwo support members 292, 294 may be connected to support structure wire200 in multiple locations and collection fibers 130 may be connectedbetween each end of the support structures. Collection fibers 130 may beconnected between each end of a single support structure and betweenmultiple support structures. A plurality of diodes may be placed at anyposition on the support structure. A preferred embodiment places one ormore diodes at elevated positions at the connection point(s) betweencollection fiber 130 and support structure wire 200.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of storing circuit 300 for storingenergy collected by one or more collection devices (130 from FIG. 2).Load 150 induces current flow. Diode 310 may be electrically connectedin series between one or more collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) andload 150. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in thecircuit. Switch 330 may be electrically connected between load 150 andat least one collection device (130 from FIG. 2) to connect anddisconnect the load. Capacitor 320 maybe connected in parallel to theswitch 330 and load 150 to store energy when switch 330 is open fordelivery to load 150 when switch 330 is closed. Rectifier 340 may beelectrically connected in parallel to load 150, between the receivingend of switch 330 and ground. Rectifier 340 may be a full-wave or ahalf-wave rectifier. Rectifier 340 may include a diode electricallyconnected in parallel to load 150, between the receiving end of switch330 and ground. The direction of the diode of rectifier 340 is optional.

In an exemplary embodiment provided in FIG. 4, storage circuit 400stores energy from one or more collection devices (130 from FIG. 2) bycharging capacitor 410. If charging capacitor 410 is not used, then theconnection to ground shown at capacitor 410 is eliminated. A pluralityof diodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Diode 310 may beelectrically connected in series between one or more collection devices(130 from FIG. 2) and load 150. Diode 440 may be placed in series withload 150. The voltage from capacitor 410 can be used to charge spark gap420 when it reaches sufficient voltage. Spark gap 420 may comprise oneor more spark gaps in parallel. Non-limiting examples of spark gap 420include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reed switches. Whenspark gap 420 arcs, energy will arc from one end of the spark gap 420 tothe receiving end of the spark gap 420. The output of spark gap 420 maybe electrically connected in series to rectifier 450. Rectifier 450 maybe a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier 450 may include adiode electrically connected in parallel to transformer 430 and load150, between the receiving end of spark gap 420 and ground. Thedirection of the diode of rectifier 450 is optional. The output ofrectifier 450 is connected to transformer 430 to drive load 150.

FIG. 5 presents motor driver circuit 500. One or more collection devices(130 from FIG. 2) are electrically connected to static electricity motor510, which powers generator 520 to drive load 150. A plurality of diodesmay be placed at any position in the circuit. Motor 510 may also bedirectly connected to load 150 to drive it directly.

FIG. 6 demonstrates a circuit 600 for producing hydrogen. A plurality ofdiodes maybe placed at any position in the circuit. One or morecollection devices (130 from FIG. 2) are electrically connected toprimary spark gap 610, which may be connected to secondary spark gap640. Non-limiting examples of spark gaps 610, 640 include mercury-reedswitches and mercury-wetted reed switches. Secondary spark gap 640 maybe immersed in water 630 within container 620. When secondary spark gap640 immersed in water 630 is energized, spark gap 640 may producebubbles of hydrogen and oxygen, which may be collected to be used asfuel.

FIG. 7 presents circuit 700 for driving a fuel cell. A plurality ofdiodes may be placed at any position in the circuit. Collection devices(130 from FIG. 2) provide energy to fuel cell 720 which drives load 150.Fuel cell 720 may produce hydrogen and oxygen.

FIG. 8 presents exemplary circuit 800 for the collection of energy.Storage circuit 800 stores energy from one or more collection devices(130 from FIG. 2) by charging capacitor 810. If charging capacitor 810is not used, then the connection to ground shown at capacitor 810 iseliminated. A plurality of diodes may be placed at any position in thecircuit. The voltage from capacitor 810 can be used to charge spark gap820 when it reaches sufficient voltage. Spark gap 820 may comprise oneor more spark gaps in parallel or in series. Non-limiting examples ofspark gap 820 include mercury-reed switches and mercury-wetted reedswitches. When spark gap 820 arcs, energy will arc from one end of sparkgap 820 to the receiving end of spark gap 820. The output of spark gap820 may be electrically connected in series to rectifier 825. Rectifier825 may be a full-wave or a half-wave rectifier. Rectifier 825 mayinclude a diode electrically connected in parallel to inductor 830 andload 150, between the receiving end of spark gap 820 and ground. Thedirection of the diode of rectifier 825 is optional. The output ofrectifier 825 is connected to inductor 830. Inductor 830 may be a fixedvalue inductor or a variable inductor. Capacitor 870 may be placed inparallel with load 150.

FIG. 9 presents a flow diagram of a method for collecting energy. Inblock 910, one or more collection devices may be suspended from asupport structure wire. In block 920, a load may be electricallyconnected to the support structure wire to draw current. In block 930 adiode may be electrically connected between the support structure wireand the electrical connection to the load. In block 940, energy providedto the load may be stored or otherwise utilized.

A windmill is an engine powered by the energy of wind to producealternative forms of energy. They may, for example, be implemented assmall tower mounted wind engines used to pump water on farms. The modernwind power machines used for generating electricity are more properlycalled wind turbines. Common applications of windmills are grainmilling, water pumping, threshing, and saw mills. Over the ages,windmills have evolved into more sophisticated and efficientwind-powered water pumps and electric power generators. In an exampleembodiment, as provided in FIG. 10, windmill tower 1000 of suitableheight and/or propeller 1020 of windmill tower 1000 may be equipped withenergy collecting fibers 1030, 1040. Collecting fibers 1030, 1040 mayturn windmill 1000 into a power producing asset even when there is notenough wind to turn propellers 1020. During periods when there is enoughwind to turn propellers 1020, collecting fibers 1030, 1040 maysupplement/boost the amount of energy the windmill produces.

Windmill 1000, properly equipped with ion collectors 1030, 1040, such asnon-limiting example carbon fibers, can produce electricity: 1) byvirtue of providing altitude to the carbon fiber to harvest ions, and 2)while the propeller is turning, by virtue of wind blowing over thecarbon fiber producing electricity, among other reasons, via thetriboelectric effect (however, it is also possible for the triboelectriceffect to occur, producing electricity, in winds too weak to turn thepropeller).

There are at least two ways that energy collectors may be employed on orin a windmill propeller to harvest energy. Propellers 1020 may beequipped with energy collectors 1030, 1040 attached to, or supported by,propeller 1020 with wires (or metal embedded in, or on propeller 1020)electrically connecting energy collectors 1030, 1040 to a load or powerconversion circuit. There may be a requirement to electrically isolateenergy collectors 1030, 1040, which is added to propeller 1020, fromelectrical ground, so that the energy collected does not short to groundthrough propeller 1020 itself or through support tower 1010, but ratheris conveyed to the load or power conversion circuit. Energy collectorsmay be connected to the end of propellers 1020 such as collectors 1030.Alternatively, energy collectors may be connected to the sides ofpropellers 1020 such as collectors 1040.

Alternatively, propeller 1020 may be constructed of carbon fiber orother suitable material, with wires (or the structural metal supportingpropeller 1020 may be used) electrically connecting to a load or powerconversion circuit. In the case of propeller 1020 itself beingconstructed of carbon fiber, for example, the fiber may be ‘roughfinished’ in selected areas so that the fiber is “fuzzy.” For example,small portions of it may protrude into the air as a means of enhancingcollection efficiency. The fuzzy parts of collectors 1030, 1040 may domuch of the collecting. There may be a requirement to electricallyisolate carbon fiber propeller 1020 from electrical ground, so that theenergy it collects does not short to ground through metal support tower1010, but rather is conveyed to the load or power conversion circuit.Diodes may be implemented within the circuit to prevent the backflow ofenergy, although diodes may not be necessary in some applications.

In an alternative embodiment, windmill 1000 may be used as a base onwhich to secure an even higher extension tower to support the energycollectors and/or horizontal supports extending out from tower 1010 tosupport the energy collectors. Electrical energy may be generated viaion collection due to altitude and also when a breeze or wind blows overthe collectors supported by tower 1010.

Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understoodas representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded within the scope of the preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from thatshown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverseorder, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understoodby those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, aremerely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for aclear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variationsand modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) ofthe disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andthe present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Therefore, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A method of collectingenergy comprising: suspending at least one collection device with, inoperation, microscopic points of a cross-section of the collectiondevice exposed to the environment from a windmill, the at least onecollection device electrically connected to the windmill; and providinga load with an electrical connection to the at least one collectiondevice to draw current.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the collectiondevice collects energy by triboelectric effect.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the collection device comprises a collection fiber.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the collection device comprises a diode and acollection fiber and the diode is electrically connected between thecollection fiber and the load.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising storing energy provided to the load.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein storing energy provided to the load comprises storing energyin a capacitor or an inductor.
 7. The method of claim 3, wherein thecollection fiber comprises carbon fiber or graphite fiber.
 8. A systemof energy collection comprising: a windmill; at least one collectiondevice with, in operation, microscopic points of a cross-section of thecollection device exposed to the environment electrically connected tothe windmill; and a load electrically connected to the at least onecollection device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the collectiondevice collects energy by triboelectric effect.
 10. The system of claim8, wherein the collection device comprises a collection fiber.
 11. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the collection device comprises a collectionfiber and a diode electrically connected between the load and thecollection fiber.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the diode iselevated relative to the ground level.
 13. The system of claim 10,wherein the collection fiber comprises a carbon fiber or a graphitefiber.
 14. The system of claim 8, further comprising a diodeelectrically connected between the at least one collection device andthe support structure.
 15. The system of claim 8, further comprising: aswitch connected in series between the at least one collection deviceand the load; and a capacitor connected in parallel with the switch andthe load.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the switch comprises aninterrupter connected between the plurality at least one collectiondevice, and wherein the interrupter comprises at least one of afluorescent tube, a neon bulb, an AC light, and a spark gap.
 17. Thesystem of claim 8, further comprising: a motor for providing power, themotor connected between the at least one collection device and the load;and a generator powered by the motor.
 18. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising a fuel cell between the support structure and the load. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein the fuel cell produces hydrogen andoxygen.
 20. A system of collecting energy comprising: means forsuspending at least one collection device with, in operation,microscopic points of a cross-section of the collection device exposedto the environment from a windmill structure, the at least onecollection device electrically connected to the means for suspending;means for inducing current flow, the means for inducing current flowelectrically connected to the means for suspending; and means forrestricting the backflow of charge carriers, the means for restrictingthe backflow of charge carriers electrically connected between the atleast one collection device and the means for inducing current flow.